inp.polri.go.id - Jayapura. A massive fire engulfed a densely populated residential area in the Mandala area, North Jayapura District, Jayapura, Papua, on Monday (8/31/2026). The blaze destroyed hundreds of homes and left approximately 2,000 people homeless.

The fire broke out at around 2:40 PM. The fire was finally extinguished around 8:00 PM after officers mobilized several fire trucks and other support vehicles.

Jayapura City Sub-regional Police Chief, Senior Superintendent Fredrickus Maclarimboen, stated that police were still investigating the cause of the fire. Officers are currently gathering information and data at the scene after the fire was confirmed completely extinguished.

"The cause of the fire has not yet been determined as we are still gathering data after the fire was completely extinguished," Fredrickus said on Tuesday (9/1/2026).

The firefighting effort involved several vehicles, including fire trucks, water cannons, and water tankers.

The firefighting process was quite challenging as the fire was located in a densely populated coastal area. Limited road access made it difficult for firefighters to reach the fire. This situation was exacerbated by the flammable building materials in the surrounding area.

The fire affected at least two neighborhood units (RT) and directly affected approximately 2,000 people. Residents who lost their homes were forced to evacuate to several locations.

Some residents chose to temporarily stay with family and friends. Others were housed in refugee camps set up around the Mandala area.

"The Indonesian National Military (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (INP), and the Jayapura City Government have set up camps for the victims around Mandala," said Fredrickus.

As of Tuesday (9/1/2026), relief efforts for affected residents were still underway. Police are also continuing to gather information to determine the exact cause of the fire that destroyed the residential area.

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